Travel
Discover facts about travel. Small discoveries that change the way you see familiar things.
Travel
Swiss fondue pots stay molten hot via tiny portable burners
A small burner beneath the pot keeps the cheese bubbling at the table. Dropping bread into the pot can also break an unwritten fondue rule—and invite teasing.
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Chinese high-speed rail covers more ground than anywhere else
China's extensive high-speed rail network crosses vast stretches of the country; a train ride can pass through several provinces with barely a bump.
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Why Korean barbecue restaurants bag your coat
Cooking meat at the table creates greasy smoke that can cling to your outerwear. The bag keeps your coat from smelling like barbecue long after dinner.
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Wuppertal commuters ride a train hanging over a river
The Schwebebahn's cars are suspended beneath an elevated track, with much of the route following the River Wupper. Using the space above the water helped fit…
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South Korean transit seats can be heated
The warmth can make a cold wait feel cozy—sometimes almost too cozy.
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Why English underground trains can become ovens
Deep transit tunnels can become sweltering in summer, leaving commuters to ride in professional clothes through the heat.
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Top decks of buses provide excellent views of tree branches
An upper-deck front seat can put you face-to-face with low branches—and give you a reason to duck when the bus passes beneath them.
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Taking photos with a tablet absolutely destroys your dignity
A raised tablet can block the view of everyone behind you, and the resulting photo may still be blurry.
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Swedish bakeries sell massive quantities of cinnamon buns
The afternoon coffee break makes a sugary cinnamon bun feel like a perfectly respectable snack, even though it’s basically dessert.
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Multi-country rail passes require paying extra for seats
A rail pass may cover the fare but not mandatory seat reservations, which can add fees on some routes.
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Overpacking ensures lugging clean shirts all around
Packing extra clothes can mean hauling sweaters and shirts you never wear all the way to your destination and back. They get an expensive trip while staying…
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Spanish dinners rarely commence before ten at night
Many Spanish restaurants don't begin serving dinner until around 10 p.m., so arriving at six may leave you waiting for the kitchen to open.
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Buying physical local SIM cards is largely obsolete nowadays
Digital roaming profiles let travelers connect without swapping a physical SIM, eliminating the paperclip ritual at the train station.
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Dubai's creek crossing can cost just two dirhams
RTA lists several abra routes across Dubai Creek at AED 2. These small passenger boats link old trading neighborhoods as part of the city's transport network.…
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Belgium's two famous waffles start with different mixtures
Brussels waffles use a more liquid batter and usually have a rectangular shape. Liège waffles use a thicker dough containing pearl sugar and tend to be more…
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Group walking tours completely block the entire sidewalk
When dozens of tourists stop together to look at a landmark, they can turn the sidewalk into a bottleneck and force other pedestrians into the street.
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Stopping on a sidewalk for a selfie angers the crowds
Stopping abruptly in a crowded sidewalk stream can get you bumped as people keep moving around you.
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Why Thai tuk-tuks can cost more than taxis
Tourists may pay extra for the open-air ride and thrill of weaving through traffic, even though the ride exposes them to exhaust.
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Why German taxis can feel like luxury cars
In Germany, a taxi ride may mean a plush back seat in a high-end Mercedes—but the meter can quickly spoil the luxury-car fantasy.
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Public binoculars at viewpoints demand exorbitant coin fees
Drop in a coin to open the shutters; without paying, you’re left with a view of the scenery but no magnification.
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Why authentic tacos don't come with yellow cheese
Traditional street tacos usually use soft tortillas and fresh toppings rather than crunchy shells and yellow cheese, which are associated with Americanized…
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High-speed trains connecting the UK to Europe go underwater
The trains pass through a tunnel beneath the Channel, with the water above rather than around them.
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Why luxury train passengers pay thousands for a tiny bed
Passengers pay for the romantic experience, including dressing up and drinking champagne, despite sleeping in a narrow bunk.
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In Japan, taxi doors open themselves
The driver operates the automatic doors as a courtesy, so passengers can simply wait instead of reaching for the handle.
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